Family and friends filled the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, NJ, on Friday, April 25, to honor and celebrate Berkeley College graduates at the Commencement Ceremony of the Class of 2014.

This year’s graduating class is the largest in the history of Berkeley College with more than 2,300 students from Berkeley College locations in New York and New Jersey and Berkeley College Online® receiving Bachelor’s and Associate’s degrees and certificates. The Class of 2014 includes 110 military and veteran students and 550 online students. The online students were recognized during the 2014 Berkeley College Virtual Commencement that united students worldwide in the celebration of their graduation from Berkeley College.

“I am so proud to congratulate you on reaching such an important milestone,” Dario A. Cortes, PhD, President of Berkeley College, told the graduates. “Today you join the ranks of 38,000 Berkeley College alumni worldwide. Tap into this powerful network. And remember, as you build your career path you are never alone. As a Berkeley College graduate, you receive a lifetime of career assistance.”

During their college careers, the members of the graduating class served internships and built working relationships with more than 1,000 companies, including Bloomingdale’s, Price WaterhouseCoopers, The New York Times Company, Passaic County Superior Court, Verizon, Vera Wang, and the White Plains Police Department among others.

Camelia M. Valdes, Passaic County Prosecutor, delivered the Commencement Address and was presented with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. A first-generation college student, Ms. Valdes also is the first Latina county prosecutor in the State of New Jersey, the first woman prosecutor in Passaic County, and the first lead prosecutor of Dominican ancestry in the United States.

Her address included Ms. Valdes telling the graduates that they are now equipped to enter their fields of study and to “shatter the glass ceiling and excel.”

“You honor the Berkeley College experience with what you do with it. Whether you enter the world of accounting, law, graphic design or interior design, or the healthcare services field, you can make a difference in the lives of others,” Ms. Valdes said. “I wish for you honesty and endurance and courage. Many congratulations!”

John McGarraghy, Trustee Emeriti, received an honorary Doctor of Pedagogy degree during the Commencement ceremony. Mr. McGarraghy served as Berkeley College Trustee from 1992 to 2002. During his tenure he chaired Board Committees on Academic and Student Affairs and Long-Range Planning.

The College also recognized student Sharla Natasha Hanley of Manhattan with the Robert Maher Outstanding Student award. Melvin Montalvo of Stirling, NJ, Class of 2003, was recognized with the 2014 Alumni of the Year award. The student speaker was Vakesha Archie of Newark, NJ.

Berkeley College provides traditional and online degree options and blended learning opportunities to prepare students for careers in some of today’s most in-demand professions. Berkeley College was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the 2014 Best Colleges in the Online Bachelor Degree category. Students at Berkeley College benefit from a supportive, flexible, diverse learning environment that connects them with workplace experiences in their areas of study and pathways to dynamic careers.

A leader in providing career-focused education for more than 80 years, Berkeley College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and enrolls approximately 8,000 students — including more than 900 international students — in its Baccalaureate and Associate degree and Certificate programs. The College has six New Jersey locations — Woodland Park, Paramus, Woodbridge, Newark, Clifton and Dover. In New York there are three locations — Midtown Manhattan, Brooklyn and White Plains. Berkeley College Online® also offers full degree programs. Programs are offered in more than 20 career fields. The website address is www.BerkeleyCollege.edu.

Photo Caption A:Family and friends fill the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, NJ, on Friday, April 25, to honor and celebrate Berkeley College graduates at the Commencement Ceremony of the Class of 2014. This year’s graduating class is the largest in the history of Berkeley College with more than 2,300 students receiving Bachelor’s and Associate’s degrees and certificates. To view a high-resolution version of this photo, visit http://www.berkeleycollege.edu/press_release_images/ALL_OverviewImage_42914.jpg

Photo Caption B:Camelia M. Valdes, Passaic County Prosecutor, delivers the Commencement Address to the Berkeley College Class of 2014. Ms. Valdes was presented with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree during the Ceremony. This year’s graduating class is the largest in the history of Berkeley College with more than 2,300 students receiving Bachelor’s and Associate’s degrees and certificates.

About Berkeley College

Berkeley College, established in 1931, is a regionally accredited college providing excellence in teaching and learning through a student-focused approach to career education. Berkeley College offers Bachelor's and Associate's degrees, Certificate programs, and non-degree professional courses at campuses in New Jersey, New York, and through Berkeley College Online. A Master of Business Administration degree is offered in Woodland Park, NJ, and online. The college enrolls over 7,100 students (more than 440 international students, representing nearly 75 countries).